Ezra Emanuel Nelson
Feb. 27, 1924 - March 15, 2015
Resident of Orinda
Ezra Emanuel Nelson passed away at home in Orinda, surrounded by family.
Ezra was the youngest child of Charles Anton and Karen Marie (Maridal) Nelson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Earl, Mabel, Clyde and Clara. Also, his first wife, Aleda J. (Dooley) passed away in 1995.
He worked for Hexcel Corporation, Berkeley then as a USPS letter carrier in Orinda and retired in 1991.
Ezra joined his wife Margaret as a member of Sun Valley Bible Chapel in Lafayette in 1997.
He loved local history and wrote articles for the Orinda Historical Society newsletter. Ezra has been the subject of several historical stories, as he was the oldest original resident of Orinda. He grew up in "The Old Yellow House" on Moraga Way, and lived his entire life on the property.
He worked on many stone bridges and other structures with his father in Orinda area.
Survivors are, son David Ezra and Carolyn (Knapp) Nelson, Evergreen, CO, granddaughters; Robyn (Gary) Glover, Arlington, TX, Courtney Nelson (Conor Poull) Dallas, TX, grandsons; Grayson, Jacob and Noah Glover.
Ezra's second family began with a joyous marriage to Margaret (Mori) Ellingson, on January 4, 1997. Also surviving are Fred and Leslie (Webb) Ellingson, Walnut Creek, Mariko and Jon Klopstock, San Ramon, and Bert Ellingson, Orinda, grandsons, Tyler Ellingson, Samuel and Shane Klopstock.
A graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission BLVD, Hayward, CA.
A celebration of life follows at 2:30 p.m. Sun Valley Bible Chapel, 1031 Leland Drive, Lafayette, CA. 925-934-1378.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Paul and Vickie Gizzi of Mission Athletes International, maisoccer.com, or Daniel and Georgiana Eakins, CMML, Inc, P.O. Box 13, Spring Lake, NJ 07762-0013.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Mar. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ezra Nelson

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12 Entries

David Ezra Nelson

March 13, 2025

March 15th 2025 will be 10 years since Ezra passed away. His kindness and the life he lived are still cherished by all that knew him. Truly, he lived by the rule that says, "Treat others as you would have them treat you".

DAVID NELSON

March 15, 2022

Visited Ezra's gravesite and enjoyed a few moments of memories.

Lisa Chatham

April 18, 2015

I'm sorry to hear Ezra has passed away...I will always remember him as a very caring gentleman. He taught me the ropes at the orinda post office. I use to pop in on him to say hello after he retired. I will miss him dearly and never forget him.
Rest in peace
With love, Lisa Marie ~

Kay Norman

March 19, 2015

I had the honor of meeting Ezra when he gave me his memories of growing up in the "Old Yellow House" for an article in the Orinda News in 1990. I have loved him, and that house, ever since.

1995 Ezra hosting a family reunion

March 19, 2015

1960.03.13. Earl, Clyde and Ezra Nelson

March 19, 2015

Ezra Nelson, Orinda, Jan 1957

Carol Arnett

March 19, 2015

The Nelsons, 1928: Clyde, Mabel, Ezra, Clara, Karen Nelson

Carol Arnett

March 19, 2015

Even as a very little girl, I knew there was something very special about Uncle Ezra. He epitomized living life as a true Christian... always witnessing for Christ. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. Any life he touched was better for having known him. My mother, Clara, adored her younger brother. Who wouldn't?

March 19, 2015

Uncle Ezra was everything a Christian man should be. He and aunt Margaret were always more than willing to help when help was needed and sometimes under less than thankful circumstances. They did it with smiles and willingness to help; never expecting anything in return.

He had a remarkable memory for dates. He was always an interesting and interested communicator.

When I was young it was he and a friend that encouraged me to memorize Bible verses and always ready with a penny. Want to tell you that penny did the trick!

He will be missed. May God be with aunt Margaret and with David and his family. The miles kept them apart but their love joined them together. Vonne

Keri Dominguez

March 19, 2015

My memories of Uncle Ezra are that he was a very kind and gentle man.
Keri Dominguez (Daughter of Nancy Arnett, grandgirl of Clara)

December, 2009. Redwoods at the Old Yellow House, Orinda, CA

Carolyn Knapp-Nelson

March 18, 2015

We love the life we have, because of you. Thank you Dad, Grandpapa, and Great Grandpapa

Ezra and Dave, Mt. Diablo, nov. 14, 2014

David Nelson

March 18, 2015

My father was an amazingly patient man, full of grace and dignity. From him, I learned humility, to be kind to others, and respect of others as you would want to be respected. He lived a good life. With my love for you, Dad, I set you free. We rejoice that you are now with the Lord. (Dave)

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